
The 'Million Dollar Inmate'
The Financial and Social Burden of Nonviolent Offenders
Heather Ahn-Redding(Author)
Lexington Books (Publisher)
Published on 15. October 2010
Book
Paperback/Softback
256 pages
978-0-7391-1497-1 (ISBN)
Description
What kinds of beliefs do most Americans hold about crime and violence, and where do these beliefs come from? What kinds of people are sent to prison-are the average inmates dangerous criminals, or are they involved in low-level drug-related, property, or public-order offenses? Who is ultimately paying for their time in prison? The "Million Dollar Inmate" highlights the financial and social costs of America's incarceration of non-violent offenders. With its focus on the specific population of non-violent offenders, this book provides a unique, sociological approach to the problem of handling such a large population at such tremendous costs-paid, for the most part, by taxpayers. Basing her insight on extensive research into the origins of America's correctional systems, the visible and non-visible costs incurred by the practice of incarcerating nonviolent offenders, and the goals of the prison system, Heather Ahn-Redding dares to expose flaws in current correctional practices and suggest ways they can be not only changed but also re-envisioned. Ideally suited to researchers, advanced undergraduate students, graduate students, and policymakers.
Reviews / Votes
The 'Million Dollar Inmate' makes a significant contribution to the field. The main argument of this well-written and engaging book is clear and compelling: We are putting too many nonviolent offenders in prison for too long under destructive conditions that breed antisocial conduct both in prison and when offenders return to the community. We are spending a lot of money, expending and jeopardizing social capital, and getting little or nothing of a positive, tangible nature in return. This thoughtful and thought-provoking book argues persuasively for alternative sanctions that are less costly and destructive for the offender, his loved ones, and society at large. -- Robert Johnson, Professor of Justice, Law and Criminology, American University Ahn-Redding covers a comprehensive array of topics and subtopics. . . The book has a number of benefits. The undergraduate looking for topics to synthesize will find ample sources in the 30 pages of bibliography. Graduate students and seasoned researchers will also find material to further expound and explore. * Corrections Today * The 'Million Dollar Inmate' presents a sobering expose of the costs involved in this nation's over-reliance on prison as a punishment for non-violent criminal offenders. Ahn-Redding has utilized a myriad of sources to show that prison is neither effective nor cost-efficient as a deterrent to crime. The book sheds light on all the costs of imprisonment, not just brick-and-mortar and personnel costs, but the collateral and hidden costs of incarcerating over two million people who are, because of their imprisonment, unable to contribute to the economic productivity of their neighborhood, or meet their responsibilities as mothers and fathers, leading to the next generations of 'million dollar inmates.' -- Joycelyn Pollock, Texas State University-San MarcosMore details
Language
English
Place of publication
United States
Publishing group
Bloomsbury Publishing Plc
Target group
College/higher education
Professional and scholarly
Dimensions
Height: 229 mm
Width: 152 mm
Thickness: 15 mm
Weight
421 gr
ISBN-13
978-0-7391-1497-1 (9780739114971)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
Additional editions

Heather Ahn-Redding
The 'Million Dollar Inmate'
The Financial and Social Burden of Nonviolent Offenders
E-Book
12/2007
1st Edition
Lexington Books
from
€65.09
Available for download

Heather Ahn-Redding
The 'Million Dollar Inmate'
The Financial and Social Burden of Nonviolent Offenders
E-Book
12/2007
1st Edition
Bloomsbury eBooks US
€48.49
Available for download
Person
Heather Ahn-Redding is assistant professor at High Point University.
Content
Chapter 1 Preface
Part 2 Part I. Introduction and Early Sentencing
Chapter 3 Chapter 1. An Introduction to the "Million Dollar" Inmate
Chapter 4 Chapter 2. Punishment in the 20th Century: Run-On Sentences
Part 5 Part II. Sentencing and Prisons Today
Chapter 6 Chapter 3. Sentencing Today: A Sentence is a Sentence - Period!
Chapter 7 Chapter 4. Prison Conditions
Part 8 Part III. Financial and Social Costs of Incarceration
Chapter 9 Chapter 5. The Financial Costs of Incarceration: An Overview
Chapter 10 Chapter 6. Expensive Prisoners
Chapter 11 Chapter 7. The Social Costs of Incarceration: The Hidden Yet Expensive Side of Prison
Part 12 Part IV. Goals of Incarceration
Chapter 13 Chapter 8. Retribution: Can We Have Our "Just Desert" and Eat It Too?
Chapter 14 Chapter 9. Incapacitation: If We Lock Them Up, Maybe They'll Just Go Away!
Chapter 15 Chapter 10. Some Specifics on Deterrence, in General
Chapter 16 Chapter 11. Rehabilitation and Treatment: Where is the Correction in our Correctional Institutions?
Part 17 Part V. Conclusion
Chapter 18 Chapter 12. The Benefits of Incarceration - Real and Perceived
Chapter 19 Chapter 13. Policy Recommendations
Part 2 Part I. Introduction and Early Sentencing
Chapter 3 Chapter 1. An Introduction to the "Million Dollar" Inmate
Chapter 4 Chapter 2. Punishment in the 20th Century: Run-On Sentences
Part 5 Part II. Sentencing and Prisons Today
Chapter 6 Chapter 3. Sentencing Today: A Sentence is a Sentence - Period!
Chapter 7 Chapter 4. Prison Conditions
Part 8 Part III. Financial and Social Costs of Incarceration
Chapter 9 Chapter 5. The Financial Costs of Incarceration: An Overview
Chapter 10 Chapter 6. Expensive Prisoners
Chapter 11 Chapter 7. The Social Costs of Incarceration: The Hidden Yet Expensive Side of Prison
Part 12 Part IV. Goals of Incarceration
Chapter 13 Chapter 8. Retribution: Can We Have Our "Just Desert" and Eat It Too?
Chapter 14 Chapter 9. Incapacitation: If We Lock Them Up, Maybe They'll Just Go Away!
Chapter 15 Chapter 10. Some Specifics on Deterrence, in General
Chapter 16 Chapter 11. Rehabilitation and Treatment: Where is the Correction in our Correctional Institutions?
Part 17 Part V. Conclusion
Chapter 18 Chapter 12. The Benefits of Incarceration - Real and Perceived
Chapter 19 Chapter 13. Policy Recommendations